Philippines to host Asia-Pacific Vision Health Congress

The Philippines is hosting the 18th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society (APVRS) from Dec. 12 to 14, 2025, bringing together global vision health experts to tackle vision impairment across the Asia-Pacific (APAC).

Organized by the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Vitreo Retina Society of the Philippines (VRSP) and presented by biopharmaceutical leader Roche, the congress aims to make vision health a national policy in APAC countries.

Guided by the theme “Retina 360: Learning, Application, Transformation, Synergy,” APVRS 2025 will feature retina specialists, researchers and industry partners sharing scientific advancements and forging collaborations in eye health.

The urgency of the mission is highlighted by recent findings from the APAC Vision Health Survey, commissioned by Roche (Philippines) Inc.

Eight of 10 Filipinos with diabetes experience vision-related symptoms, the highest among surveyed countries in the region.

About 89 percent of Filipino respondents living with diabetes report daily challenges due to vision issues, impacting their ability to work, perform tasks independently and manage medical expenses. Vision impairment leads to wider economic implications including decreased productivity, absenteeism, job losses and significant financial, social and psychological issues.

Roche, a global leader in pioneering therapies to prevent vision loss, will contribute to key discussions focusing on advancing disease control and exploring new approaches to long-term retinal health.

“We believe that retina disease management requires a 360-degree approach: from early diagnosis and timely treatment to long-term monitoring and patient support,” said Dr. Diana Edralin, general manager of Roche (Philippines) Inc.

“At APVRS 2025, we look forward to collaborating with our peers to accelerate advances that translate into meaningful vision outcomes for patients across the Asia-Pacific,” said Edralin.

The congress, hosted in Manila, provides a platform to gain deeper insights into region-specific challenges and opportunities in retina disease management.